How to Use TB6612FNG: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed for controlling two DC motors or one stepper motor. It supports motor supply voltages ranging from 2.5V to 13.5V and offers features such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control for precise speed regulation, built-in thermal shutdown, and overcurrent protection. This makes it a versatile and reliable choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics and automation systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Conveyor belts and industrial machinery
• DIY electronics projects
• Stepper motor control for 3D printers and CNC machines

The TB6612FNG comes in a 20-pin HTSSOP package. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply (VM) to the motor voltage input pin (Pin 6).
   • Connect the logic power supply (VCC) to the logic voltage input pin (Pin 7).
   • Ensure the ground (GND) is connected to the common ground of the circuit.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the motor terminals to the output pins (A01, A02 for Motor A; B01, B02 for Motor B).

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1, AIN2, and PWMA pins to control Motor A.
   • Use the BIN1, BIN2, and PWMB pins to control Motor B.
   • Apply a PWM signal to the PWMA or PWMB pins to regulate motor speed.
   • Set the STBY pin HIGH to enable the IC.

4. Direction Control:

   • Set AIN1 HIGH and AIN2 LOW to rotate Motor A in one direction.
   • Set AIN1 LOW and AIN2 HIGH to rotate Motor A in the opposite direction.
   • Similarly, use BIN1 and BIN2 for Motor B direction control.

5. Standby Mode:

   • Set the STBY pin LOW to put the IC into standby mode, reducing power consumption.

Below is an example of how to control two DC motors using the TB6612FNG and an Arduino UNO:

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 2;  // Motor A direction control pin 1
const int AIN2 = 3;  // Motor A direction control pin 2
const int PWMA = 5;  // Motor A speed control (PWM)
const int BIN1 = 7;  // Motor B direction control pin 1
const int BIN2 = 8;  // Motor B direction control pin 2
const int PWMB = 6;  // Motor B speed control (PWM)
const int STBY = 4;  // Standby control pin

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(AIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(AIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMB, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(STBY, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the motor driver IC
  digitalWrite(STBY, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate Motor A forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);  // 50% duty cycle (0-255)

  // Rotate Motor B backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192);  // 75% duty cycle (0-255)

  delay(2000);  // Run motors for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 0);

  delay(2000);  // Wait for 2 seconds
}

• Ensure the motor supply voltage (VM) matches the voltage rating of your motors.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins to reduce noise.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating to prevent damage to the IC.
• Use heat sinks or proper ventilation if operating at high currents for extended periods.

1. Motors Not Spinning:

   • Verify that the STBY pin is set HIGH to enable the IC.
   • Check the power supply connections (VM and VCC).
   • Ensure the control signals (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2) are correctly configured.

2. Motor Spins in the Wrong Direction:

   • Reverse the logic levels on the AIN1/AIN2 or BIN1/BIN2 pins.

3. Overheating:

   • Ensure the current drawn by the motors does not exceed the IC's maximum rating.
   • Add a heat sink or improve ventilation around the IC.

4. PWM Control Not Working:

   • Verify that the PWM signal is being generated correctly by the microcontroller.
   • Check the connections to the PWMA and PWMB pins.

Q: Can the TB6612FNG drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can drive a stepper motor by controlling the two H-bridges in a coordinated manner.

Q: What happens if the IC overheats?
A: The TB6612FNG has a built-in thermal shutdown feature that disables the outputs to protect the IC from damage.

Q: Can I use the TB6612FNG with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the logic supply voltage (VCC) supports 2.7V to 5.5V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.